Vodafone through the years

The Vodafone story so far

We're one of the world's leading mobile communications providers, operating in 26 countries and in partnership with networks in over 55 more. Across the world, we have almost 444 million customers and around 19.5 million in the UK. We made the first ever mobile phone call on 1 January 1985 from London to our Newbury HQ. Still located in Newbury, we now employ over 13,000 people across the UK.

Ours is a story of investment, innovation and award-winning customer service. Take a look at the highlights of our pioneering achievements.

2017

The Wortwell Bell Inn, in Harleston, South Norfolk is named the first rural community hub to benefit from 3G mobile coverage as part of our Community Indoor Sure Signal programme

Vodafone creates 2,100 jobs in the UK, part of a long-term commitment to UK investment

We launch TOBi, an artificial intelligence chatbot that acts as a virtual agent – offering customers a quicker web chat service

Vodafone is the first UK operator to abolish roaming charges across 50 European destinations, with the launch of Vodafone Global Roaming

2016

In partnership with the British Library, Vodafone commemorates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, making some of the earliest and rarest editions of his plays available to all in digital format

We become the first UK telecoms company to abolish line rental for broadband

We launch a scheme to create up to 100 rural community hubs – based in pubs, village halls and community run shops. These will provide reliable 3G coverage to rural ‘not-spots’

We are named ‘UK’s #1 network for voice’ and ‘London’s #1 network’ by P3 Connect

2015

We celebrate the 30th anniversary of the UK’s first mobile phone call made on our network.

We launch Vodafone Broadband for UK customers. More than 22 million premises sign up for our high-speed broadband and home phone service, supported by our innovative Connect mobile app.

Vodafone launches Wi Fi Calling, allowing customers in areas with limited network coverage, or who struggle to get an indoor signal, to make voice calls over Wi Fi.

We sign the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, as part of our commitment to proactively encourage the recruitment of ex-service personnel

1993

Vodafone Group International is formed to acquire licences and supervise overseas interests

Vodafone opens its first high street store

1992

Vodafone and Telecom Finland sign the world's first international GSM roaming agreement

1991

Racal and Vodafone de-merge, and the Vodafone Group is listed as an independent company on the London and New York stock exchanges

Vodafone and Telecom Finland make the world’s first international roaming call

Vodafone launches its digital (GSM) mobile phone service – the first in the UK

1989

Paknet is formed as a joint venture between Racal Telecom and Cable & Wireless

1988

Racal Telecomms Plc floats on the London and New York stock exchanges

1987

Vodafone is recognised as the largest mobile network in the world

Vodata is created as the ‘voice and data' business to develop and market Vodafone Recall, the voicemail service

Vodapage is launched – providing a paging network that covers 80% of the UK population

1985

The Vodafone analogue network is the first cellular network to launch in the UK – and the first call is made from St Katherine's Dock in London to Newbury on 1 January 1985

1984

The Vodafone name is announced to the media on 22 March. The press release states that the new service was "likely to find wide use among people constantly on the move such as business executives, sales representatives, journalists, doctors and veterinary surgeons".

1983

The Racal Electronics Group wins its bid for the private sector UK Cellular licence.

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